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Written by: Office of Assemblyman Wes Chesbro

Published: 26 June 2010

SACRAMENTO – The California League of Conservation Voters and Green California honored First District Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) for his outstanding environmental voting record at a reception Tuesday night in Sacramento.

In presenting the award, the League of Conservation Voters cited Chesbro’s record of pro-environment votes on bills during the 2009 legislative session and his overall environmental leadership encompassing his entire legislative career that includes his eight years in the state Senate (1998-2006).

In 2009 Chesbro voted for the environment on 22 bills the League tracked. He was one of just 12 members of the 80-member Assembly to be so honored.

Among the legislation that Chesbro was honored for supporting were bills that:

Protect fisheries. Chesbro voted for SB 670, which places a moratorium on the destructive practice of suction dredge mining until the Department of Fish & Game can conduct an environmental impact review, and subjects any future suction dredge permits to the California Environmental Quality Act. Suction dredge mining destroys the aquatic environment by disrupting streambeds, killing fish eggs and immature eels, and churning up mercury left over from the gold mining era. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed this bill into law.

Preserve state parks. Chesbro voted for SB 372, which sought to protect state parks by requiring the State Parks and Recreation Commission to approve modifications or adjustments to the boundaries or the uses of a state park, and SB 679, which would have safeguarded state parks by ensuring that land acquired for state parks is not used for any other purpose unless authorized by the Legislature. Both bills passed the Legislature but were vetoed by the governor.

Expand recycling. Chesbro voted for AB 473, which would have required owners of apartments and other multifamily dwellings to provide access to recycling services for tenants. Multifamily residences such as apartments have a meager 15 percent household recycling rate, compared to the statewide average of 50 percent. Chesbro also voted for AB 402, which would have expanded California’s successful bottle bill and provided funding for the California Conservation Corps. Both bills passed the Legislature but were vetoed by the governor.

The California League of Conservation Voters is a nonpartisan political action organization whose mission is to protect the environmental quality of the state by increasing public awareness of the environmental performance of all elected officials.

Green California is a coalition of more than 70 environmental, health and justice organizations working collaboratively to speak to the Legislature with a single voice.